Christmas Island a new destination
By: Louise Goldsbury and Bruce Piper, Cruise Weekly

The first cruise ship to ever visit Christmas Island will bring the gift of a year's worth of tourists in one hit.

Christmas Island will receive an early present on 23 December when P&O Cruises' Pacific Sun becomes the first cruise ship to dock at its expanded port facility. The ship's arrival will be the first of four visits between December 2009 and February 2011, which will bring about 7,600 passengers to the island over this period.

The Federal Government is investing $3.5 million to upgrade the mooring and passenger landing facilities for cruise ships.

According to Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson, one cruise ship stopover has the potential to deliver the average yearly tourist visitation rate to Christmas Island.

Passengers will have the chance to explore the new destination, located in the Indian Ocean about 640km northwest of Broome, independently or through organised tours. Offered activities are likely to include scuba diving, nature walks, bird watching, snorkelling and witnessing the famous red crab migration.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates Pacific Sun, said the Government's infrastructure investment would allow more people to discover the natural beauty of the island.

"Christmas Island's unique wildlife, including the annual migration of the red crabs, and natural features makes it an appealing holiday destination for Australians," Sherry said.

"We have had a positive reception from the Christmas Island community who are keen to see tourism develop in a way that meets their expectations and protects the island's natural features."

Sherry said Carnival Australia was looking to expand into other exciting ports of call.

"We are keen to open new cruise destinations around Australia, including in key regional areas," she said.

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